Frequently Asked Questions

DC Zinefest: What, Where, When, and How?

What is DC Zinefest?
The DC Zinefest is an independent event designed to provide a space for zine-makers, self-published artists, and writers to share their work with each other and the Washington, D.C., community.

When is DC Zinefest?Zinefest will be on Saturday, July 21, 2018. We have not yet set the hours, but we imagine they will be similar to those from previous years (e.g., 11am to 5pm). If you have a table, you will want to arrive an hour before doors open (e.g., 10am).

Where is DC Zinefest 2018?
We’re moving locations! This year DC Zinefest will be held at Art Enables, which is at 2204 Rhode Island Ave NE in Washington, DC. Art Enables is an Art Gallery and Vocational Arts program dedicated to creating opportunities for artists with disabilities to make, market, and earn income from their original and compelling artwork.

Who can come to DC Zinefest?You! Bring your friends too! DC Zinefest is all-ages and open to the public. All zinesters and visitors should comply with our safer spaces policy.

How much do zines typically cost at DC Zinefest?In past years, zinesters have generally charged $3 to $5 dollars per zine, on average. However, zines with full-color pages, cloth covers, or other special finishes typically cost more. There have generally been few items priced over $15.

Registration Process

How do I register for a table at DC Zinefest 2018?Mail-in registration has closed. Our online registration opens on Friday, April 6, 2018 at 12:00 p.m. EDT. Tables will go fast, so sign up as soon as you can!

How much will it cost me to have a table?Rates for tables for 2018 are $8 for a quarter table and $17 for a half table.

When will I find out whether my registration is accepted? And what happens after that?We will be reviewing registrations as we receive them, so please be patient! For mail-in registrations, we will be getting back to you in mid/late April. For online registration, it may take us two to three weeks to review your registration. If you’re in, we will be requesting prompt payment to reserve your table.

If I am added to the wait list, will I be able to get a table?In the past, there has been a lot of demand for tables at DC Zinefest. The length of the wait list varies from year to year. Don’t lose hope; we sometimes have tables that become available as Zinefest approaches.

Is there any way to participate if I don’t get a table?We will be running a “day-of distribution” table at the Zinefest. You can add your zines to the table for sale or trade during the fest, and pick up the proceeds (and any leftover zines) at the end of the day.

Tablers at Zinefest

Getting Ready for the Fest

I’m coming from afar and need a place to stay before/after Zinefest. Who has a couch I can crash on?Email the organizers at dczinefest@gmail.com if you need lodging or can provide lodging.

How will people pay for my zines?Most visitors will bring cash. In the past, several zinesters have happily used Square or PayPal Here to accept credit/debit card payments—which charge fees on payments—but this is purely optional. We strongly recommend you bring $5 and $1 bills to be able to make change if visitors pay with larger bills!

I need to leave my table to use the bathroom or visit a panel. What do I do?There will be “tabler liaisons” assigned to you and other nearby zinesters. Your liaison can help you with things big and small: finding a volunteer to cover your table for a bit, or getting you change if you have run out of small bills. Your liaisons will introduce themselves on the day of the fest, and will be available throughout the day.

You didn’t answer my question — who do I talk to?!Feel free to contact us in advance of Zinefest with any questions or concerns at dczinefest@gmail.com. For those tabling, on the day of the fest, there will be a “tabler liaison” assigned to you and other nearby zinesters.